Hot weather impacting climbing on Rainier

Updated 10:47 am, Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Climber Brigit Miller celebrates as she reaches Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainer at 14,411 feet. It was her first ascent of the mountain.

Climber Brigit Miller celebrates as she reaches Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainer at 14,411 feet. It was her first ascent of the mountain.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A climber uses a headlamp during the beginning of dawn near the top of Disappointmentment Cleaver as teams ascend Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for mountaineers. less

A climber uses a headlamp during the beginning of dawn near the top of Disappointmentment Cleaver as teams ascend Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A climber negotiates a ladder placed over a crevasse on the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for mountaineers. Weather conditions have made climbing routes challenging as climbers must negotiate gaping crevasses on the mountain. less

A climber negotiates a ladder placed over a crevasse on the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for mountaineers. ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers use headlamps and moonlight to climb Mount Rainier as the Big Dipper glows overhead during a summit of the mountain on June 30, 2015. Most mountaineers begin a summit attempt in the middle of the night because when the mountain is frozen it can be easier to climb and dangerous rock and ice are less likely to cascade down the mountain. less

Climbers use headlamps and moonlight to climb Mount Rainier as the Big Dipper glows overhead during a summit of the mountain on June 30, 2015. Most mountaineers begin a summit attempt in the middle of the night ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers stand on the rim of the East Crater near the highest point of Mount Rainier as they look north over the Cascade mountain range during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers stand on the rim of the East Crater near the highest point of Mount Rainier as they look north over the Cascade mountain range during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers ascend Mount Rainier at sunrise as Mount Adams can be seen in the background.

Climbers ascend Mount Rainier at sunrise as Mount Adams can be seen in the background.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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The fractured Ingraham Glacier is shown with a camp set up below Cathedral Rocks during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

The fractured Ingraham Glacier is shown with a camp set up below Cathedral Rocks during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A climber makes the dangerous descent during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

A climber makes the dangerous descent during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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People explore the crater rim at the summit as gasses from the volcano emerge from vents.

People explore the crater rim at the summit as gasses from the volcano emerge from vents.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers relax during a stop at Camp Muir during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers relax during a stop at Camp Muir during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbing teams cross paths during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbing teams cross paths during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbing teams make their way up the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier.

Climbing teams make their way up the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers depart of the final stretch to the summit of Mount Rainier.

Climbers depart of the final stretch to the summit of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers prepare for a midnight start from Camp Muir at 10,188 feet during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. Most mountaineers begin a summit attempt in the middle of the night because when the mountain is frozen it can be easier to climb and dangerous rock and ice are less likely to cascade down the mountain. less

Climbers prepare for a midnight start from Camp Muir at 10,188 feet during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015. Most mountaineers begin a summit attempt in the middle of the night because when the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers negotiate crevasses on the upper reaches of the Ingraham Glaicier.

Climbers negotiate crevasses on the upper reaches of the Ingraham Glaicier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers make their way up the Muir Snowfield on the southeast face of Mount Rainier.

Climbers make their way up the Muir Snowfield on the southeast face of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Little Tahoma, a peak on the east side of Mount Rainier, is shown with the lights of Yakima in the distance.

Little Tahoma, a peak on the east side of Mount Rainier, is shown with the lights of Yakima in the distance.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A climber ascends the mountain as the sun rises during a summit of Mount Rainier.

A climber ascends the mountain as the sun rises during a summit of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers descend the unstable and dangerous Disappointment Cleaver high above the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers descend the unstable and dangerous Disappointment Cleaver high above the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Michael Naiman and Seah Johnson sign a summit guest book stored in a metal box on the rim of the east crater during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Michael Naiman and Seah Johnson sign a summit guest book stored in a metal box on the rim of the east crater during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers make their way to the top of Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet.

Climbers make their way to the top of Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers turn off their headlamps at first light during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers turn off their headlamps at first light during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Mount Adams is seen from the historic public bunkhouse at Camp Muir on the slopes of Mount Rainier.

Mount Adams is seen from the historic public bunkhouse at Camp Muir on the slopes of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers make their way around a crevasse during a summit of Mount Rainier.

Climbers make their way around a crevasse during a summit of Mount Rainier.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers prepare for an early morning departure from Camp Muir on Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers prepare for an early morning departure from Camp Muir on Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A climber uses a headlamp during the beginning of dawn near the top of Disappointmentment Cleaver as teams ascend Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

A climber uses a headlamp during the beginning of dawn near the top of Disappointmentment Cleaver as teams ascend Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Camp Muir is shown with Mount Adams in the distance.

Camp Muir is shown with Mount Adams in the distance.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers discuss their route during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers discuss their route during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers near the top during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers near the top during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Climbers make their way along the upper reaches of the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Climbers make their way along the upper reaches of the Ingraham Glacier during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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People explore the crater rim as gasses from the volcano emerge from vents during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

People explore the crater rim as gasses from the volcano emerge from vents during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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A camp on the Ingraham Glacier is shown during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

A camp on the Ingraham Glacier is shown during a summit of Mount Rainier on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Mount Rainier's east crater is shown from the volcano's highest point, Columbia Crest at 14,411 feet during a summit on June 30, 2015.

Mount Rainier's east crater is shown from the volcano's highest point, Columbia Crest at 14,411 feet during a summit on June 30, 2015.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Liberty Ridge can be seen to the northwest from Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainier, during a summit on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for mountaineers. less

Liberty Ridge can be seen to the northwest from Columbia Crest, the highest point of Mount Rainier, during a summit on June 30, 2015. The iconic Pacific Northwest volcano is a popular challenge for ... more

The glacier-covered faces of Mount Rainier are melting faster than usual this year, creating conditions on the mountain more like August or September just a few days into July.

"This season is definitely posing challenges," said Gordon Janow, director of programs with Alpine Ascents International, which offers guide services on the mountain.

The warm weather has led to widening crevasses and increased ice and rock fall, said Peter Ellis, supervisor with the National Park Service's Mount Rainier climbing rangers.

Even so, crossing the glaciers and the challenge of the difficult vertical ascent attract many climbers to the highest peak in Washington. Groups successfully reaching the summit in recent weeks have found unusually calm winds and relatively warm temperatures.

Guides place ladders over crevasses so climbers can cross, but as the giant cracks get too wide even for ladders, new climbing routes have to be sought out, Ellis said.

The park's climbing rangers maintain a blog in which they report up-to-date conditions and route information.

Janow said the conditions are not uncommon for the 14,411-foot volcano -- he just expects them a little later in the year.

The summer climbing season -- busiest from Memorial Day to Labor Day -- isn't going to end early, Ellis said. But the guide services, which maintain the routes to ascend the peak, will likely have to start finding some creative new routes if the warm temperatures continue, he added.

A recent heat wave only added to a winter that saw little snow pile up below 8,000 feet in the Cascades, Ellis added. The overall effect was a different upper mountain this year.

"Things just look different than they have in the past," Ellis said.

Ice caves still show up in places on the mountain, formed when water flows under a glacier or other ice formation, but explorers should be aware of the dangers, said climbing ranger Forrest Madsen. That danger became obvious with the partial collapse of an ice cave in Snohomish County earlier this week.

"Whether you're above them or in them, it's a fairly dangerous spot to be caught," Madsen said.

Things have been looking different for the last 40 years, at least, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report that found Mount Rainier glaciers had lost 14 percent of their volume from 1970 to 2008.

But while global warming is fingered for shrinking glaciers, it may not be behind the most recent hot weather, according to University of Washington atmospheric science professor Cliff Mass.

Mass said the warmer weather over roughly the last year -- and especially the last few weeks -- is so out of the ordinary that it can only be attributed to natural variations in weather.

"If you have a very, very extreme situation, global warming can't be the cause of most of it," Mass said. "Global warming isn't large enough to be the cause of it."

The photo gallery above features images from a June 30 climb by seattlepi.com photographer Joshua Trujillo.